Many people donated clothes, toiletries, diapers and toys to the victims. The 6-alarm fire broke out on Benzinger Avenue, leaving 42 homeless, half of them children. From the heap of ashes and despair rises an even larger outpouring of compassion.

Donations are now being collected and distributed by the National Action Network's Staten Island office on Jersey Street. Goods are coming in faster than families can pick them up.

Officials believe the fire was started by two little boys playing with matches. What began as a devastating accident has resulted in tremendous kindness.

All of the contributions will be saved for the families until they can find new homes.